Perhaps you have come across a product, or been approached by a salesperson with a 'plug-in' device that is claimed to save up to 30% to 40% off power bills.

Description of the fake device

The device in question is made of plastic, with the standard three prong plug for plugging into a normal 240v outlet. There are LEDs on the front that light up when plugged in. The device is standalone. No equipment or appliances can be plugged into the so-called power saving device, so initially, it is hard to see how it could save any power.

Promotional material for the device claims it can support power usage up to 19,000 watts of power. This claim is already dubious, as the device can only be plugged into a normal 10 amp power outlet (which can handle a maximum of 2,400 watts).

Internally, it consists of a power factor correction capacitor, a fuse and an LED (driven by a diode and voltage dropping resistor).

Power Factor Correction Scam

Technical specifications and theory of operation is not supplied. Instead, the company uses fluffy marketing and a general statement claiming it can 'compensate' for excess power coming into a home. None of their brochures or website (www.aussiepowersavers.com.au) will offer a proper technical explaination of how the device actually works. There are also no patent claims. Even a legitimate $10 big brand-name surge protector will be properly described, covered by warranty, and is available for purchase in most shops.

Claims are made on tests, supposedly conducted by 'C.Q.I.I', that allegedly show energy savings of up to 56%. A google search for CQII did not return any results for a 'inspections standards testing institute'. The test conditions include a line frequency of 60Hz, however the Australian power supply is 50Hz. There are also conditions for a line voltage of 200 volts. Again, this is irrelevant because Australian power is 240 volts.

They also use an example for fluorecent lighting incorrectly. A claim is made on a brochure stating a single fluorecent globe uses 300 watts of power. A standard tube only uses approximately 40 watts. This exaggeration is simply outrageous and one has to wonder if the company has any credibility.

Their website only has one 'testimonial' from one person. If the claims were indeed real, they would have nothing to hide and use more testimonials.

These device will not save any power or make any further 'correction' to the power factor of resistive loads (such as heaters, incandescent lighting), which already have a power factor of 1.

Also, switchmode power supplies in all new computers and other ICT equipment of more than a few hundred watts are mandated to have built-in PFC. This would be true for many other high-tech appliances using switchmode supplies, such as plasma TVs. Using an additional power factor correction device (such as the Aussie Power Saver device) will not achieve any further savings.

Most other appliances draw so little power that any added PFC capacitor (which is not properly matched to the load) will cause the power factor to become leading instead of lagging.

Fake Company

None of the business credentials are valid. Their alleged ACN, 141153513, cannot be searched on the ABR, and nor does "Aussie Power Savers Pty Ltd". Put simply, this is a fake company, using an unregistered name, with a bogus Australian Company Number.

Conclusion

None of the claims are verifiable. Information is scant. They are looking for 'distributors' to sell this fake product.

The simple truth is, appliances and equipment are designed to use as much power as they need to operate properly. Any attempt to reduce the amount of power they use will cause the appliance to run ineffectively or inefficiently.

So, do not be duped into purchasing a $149.95 product that essentially does nothing except for burning a hole in your hip pocket. The company preys on people who will do anything to reduce their enery costs or wants to reduce carbon emissions.

If you want to save power, do what is logical. Turn appliances off at the wall socket when not in use. Reduce airconditioning costs by running the airconditioning a few degrees higher in summer and a few degress lower in winter. Upgrade to more energy efficient appliances. Install solar power.

But whatever you do, do not fund AussiePowerSaver's scam by purchasing any of their products!

Others to be aware of as well:

Earthwise Power Saver

ITS Corporation (ITSCorp) Spike Buster

The above are similar products on the market.

Avoid & Report the scams

Firstly, ensure your phone number is registered with the ACMA's Do Not Call Register. It may take up to 30 days before telemarketing calls stop.

If you still receive calls from scammers attempting to sell power saving devices, try to obtain as much information as possible (company name, contact phone number, representative name, etc). Then forward a report to the authorities.

Comments

I have been approached by one of their Sales Person.
This is a scam, have reported to ESV Department.

ali taheri, Thu, 17 Nov 2011 02:32 am:

hi.
if you dont mind can i have that sales person name because im also a victim of this scam i lost about 600$ .. i got cal from several peoples .name with bob and the manager. so if you can reply me or if you can snd me your contact number that will b fine.
plz provide me soon m waiting

Amin R, Sun, 25 Dec 2011 07:18 pm:

@ Ali Taheri

Dear Friend/s I'm one of this device sales person.
I tried it before and I got the good result,I'm Wonderful that all of you say It's fake.
Maybe You bought fake one, I don't know.

Had phone call from company '1 stop marketing' thought it sounded too good to be true..rang the ACCC and they looked into it and said it likely to be bogus..they wanted one off payment of $157 guy got quite shitty when i wouldn't give him my details..

All electrical devices such as this must be apporved for retail sale in all Australian states by their Electrical Safety Office (or equivalent)and therefore will have an approved alphabetical letter signifying the approving state eg Q for Queensland, N for New South Wales etc. Ask for this number and you'll get a deafening silence and then they'll hang up. it's a scam.

The idea of power factor correction is valid. Capacitors correct a lagging power factor(most inductive loads ie motors) However the size of a capacitor to correct any reasonable load certainly will not be contained in this device. Also the device seems to be a passive correction which means that it will only be valid for a specified inductive load. You can buy flourescent batten fittings with built in power factor correction - the physical size of the capacitor used to correct 36 watts is approximately 20 mil in diameter and 50 mil long. This device is crap

Before we go crazy and not to justify a scam, the ACN 141153513 does appear on the ASIC site as a registered company AUSSIE POWER SAVERS PTY LTD as a company registered by limited shares with an address SOUTHPORT QLD 4215.
Regardless of the device's efficacy you are open to a defamation action. Be more careful with your searches.

Mal, Tue, 01 Feb 2011 06:40 pm:

Searched the ASIC site and couldn't find Aussie Power Savers Pty Ltd. How did you find it on there?

Aussie Power Savers pty ltd is NOT a scam but a legitimate Australian company trying to run a legitimate business,with phone numbers on the website, who do not telemarket the product through any telemarketing companies, yes some scams are out there and some telemarketing companies are claiming to be from Aussie Power Savers, they are NOT! and the product they are selling looks the same but is not the same.
Regards steve Managing Director
The website does contain specifications regarding Australian power.
These people putting these statements on websites like this had better go and get thier facts right emediately or a defimation suit will be filed within 1 week.

As the writer of this ill informed website is not a reputable researcher, it is advised to ignore all claims made on this site, clearly they have got it wrong, and do not seem to care, as a fair warning has been made to them and they have given no response, which to me, shows great disregard to the truth.
On legal advise I ask you for the last time to remove all lies and untruths on your website, or legal action will be taken.

Don't be taken in by this scam, unless you are prepared to believe in the tooth fairy or the cookie monster. The 1stopmarketing call centre tried to flog me off one of these plastic fantastic electricity savers - I had to piss myself laughing at the gall of the guy on the phone. If you get sucked in, you must be very gullible indeed.

They called me today, the 1stopmarekting call centre. Their URL is www.1stopmarketingsolution.com

They are claiming they are authorised by the Australian government to make these calls. Even nicely gave me their website address whilst on the phone. Their product pictures look identical to the ones on Aussie Power Saver website, draw what you like from that.
I politely declined and hung up.

David Nash, Thu, 10 Mar 2011 04:25 pm:

Yes the product picture seems to be the same as Aussie Power Saver Website,but it never means that both the product are same.1Stop Marketing LLC is a company which is selling the same product not only in Australia ,but in UK,USA & Canada as well, and furthermore it has its presence felt from last three years. However some fake companies tried to have their mark in different part of the globe but you know better - original has no replacement.Moreover we have over 25000 happy customers in a very little span of time. So draw what you like but not before using 1Stop Marketing Solution.

On a Quite saturday arvo while watching the Cricket they phoned and a scripted conversation came on for about 20 mins and then asking for numbers off my credit card Nope !! then the supervisor wanting to look up their Web site pushing a bit too much Nope!!! My sparky Mate said WHAT !!! "If you want to save power turn off your power points Lawrie"

My old man just bought this and it got sent out. A little embarrased now. Interestingly, I put his number on the DO NOT CALL register a few months ago and this company still sent out the product. We are now pursuing the relevant government body to fine the bogus company for calling us. Also paypal - his method of payment may be able to refund our money - but I doubt they will.

Interestingly I see Today Tonight the pinacal of current affairs LOL, is doing a story pushing this SCAM this coming week...

P.S. You can get money back through paypal, say the device does not work as advertised, paypal will ask you to send it back to the seller. Do that via registered post and paypal will take the money back off them, freezing their account if necessary... Paypal is very much on the buyers side when you have a problem..

The BUY NOW (found under the contacts page)section of the "Aussie Power Savers" website appears to have been copied and pasted from the 1stopmarketingsolution.com site, then enlarged and non Australia credit card suppliers deleted.

Have found the "Aussie Power Saver" comes from WANKOTECH TECHNOLOGY CO.,LTD and is made in Taiwan. Go to www.allproducts.com and type in SD-001 into search area.
Also the product from 1stopmarketingsolution.com looks to come from the same source.
I would say that Steve has a few boxes down in the back shed.

These devices although may correct powerfactor will not save you money as in australia domestic residents only get billed for real power kwhr not vahr. I sughest that the supplier send it to a real testing lab before making outragous claims

I have made a complaint to the technical regulator and this is part of the reply that I received.

I thought Steve would like to give this a read.

This office is responsible for the administration and policing of this Act. The validity of the suppliers claims are something we cannot comment on as that is a trade practices issue and well outside our area of expertise. I can however, point out that the Australian Competition & Consumer Commission ACCC) has successfully prosecuted at least 2 other companies for making misleading claims with similar products. See http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/952221/fromItemId/927069
and http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/951174

I also sent Aussie power savers an email:

This is the most blatant scam I have ever seen.

Your claims are ludicrous and your scientific evidence is naive to say the least.

I don't know how many fellow electricians there are in Australia but one thing thing for sure,
every single one of us knows that your product is a total scam.

I think you should have watched a few episodes of Today Tonight before allowing them to build up
your scam.They always come back and stab you in the back a few weeks later.

Look what they did to the Power Balance Bracelet and Brocky's Fuel Polariser.

You guys are finished, You guys will get stuck with all those pallets of shit.

I think I'll send an email to the Technical Regulator of South Australia.

As this product is supposed to be the worlds most amazing product, does it have electrical
approval?

You guys are either suckers or crooks.

Maybe Today Tonight can do a sympathy piece on how you guys got sucked into this dodgy
franchise.

Its a shame it is not real otherwise you would actually be the richest man in the world.

By the way, domestic Electricity Meters are not Power Factor Sensitive.

This device is made in china and available all over the world most likely only cost a few dollars to produce. I know someone how got sucked into buying one. He is going to let me know how much his bill goes down. Bet you it wont go down. Will let you know what the results will be. A real test in the real world.

The Federal Court has found that Auscha Corporation and its former marketing manager, Nagarajah Rajkumar, made misleading claims about its Enersonic Power Saver device.

The ACCC alleged that Auscha had made a number of false or misleading representations about the Power Saver in breach of the Trade Practices Act 1974. ACCC said that the Power Saver, a power factor correction capacitor, does not actually reduce the real electrical power consumed by a domestic user.

The court has found that the Power Saver was not capable of reducing the amount of electrical power consumed by domestic consumers as measured by retail electricity suppliers and did not save money by using the power saver.

As a result, the court has issued injunctions restraining Auscha and Mr Rajkumar from engaging in similar conduct in the future and made orders that Auscha publish a corrective notice on its website, send a letter to customers affected by the conduct, and pay a contribution towards the ACCC's court costs.

ACCC Chairman Graeme Samuel said today: "These actions demonstrate the ACCC's concern to ensure that consumers are not misled into believing that products will save them money on energy costs when this is untrue. Suppliers of these types of devices are on notice that the ACCC is on the look-out for those who want to make spurious energy saving claims and should take immediate steps to review their marketing material or they may face similar action."

A man with an Indian accent rang me & told me his name is John Williams. He said he was from Power Savers Ltd. He wanted my credit card details to pay for a device that one plugs into a power point which reduced power consumption. I refused to give a credit card number, & asked for a hard copy to be sent to me before I made any decision. He wanted $159 for this device with a 6 months cooling off period. I asked him for the approval number & was told it is WTMQ05000165. I am still not convinced. Any comments?

Chris, Mon, 07 Mar 2011 09:21 pm:

I had the same company call me and try and sell me one for $159 as well. I said to the women with an Indian accent that I didn't want one and it sounded like a scam and hung up.

Earthwise power saver is about the same technology & about as much use the coy flogging them also flog Amazing Grass super food, Cell food, Kung Foo'd Super herbs & MaquieBerry, all probably produced by Wanka Matic Technologies. For further info go to askville.amazon.com/Power-Save

Matt, Mon, 18 Apr 2011 01:56 pm:

Information on how the Earthwise Power Saver works!!!!

The Earthwise Power Saver has been proven, in a variety of scenarios to reduce both the current draw charged as apparent power and the electricity consumption charged as Kilowatt hour.

Testing has shown that installing an Earthwise power Saver will result in savings. These savings may vary in each situation depending upon the appliances attached, the length of the cables and the types, number and quality of the interconnections of the cabling system.

This product is commonly stated to use the electrical principal of “Power Factor Correction” and while this principal is part of the process, it is not the only part. When looking at the product and thinking that it is Power Factor Correction, an electrical engineer would say that it does not work in saving energy through an Australian Watt Hour meter however this is not correct. Stepping outside the sphere of electrical engineering and looking at the sphere of physics, the Earthwise Power Saver works by reducing the harmonic distortions that normally occur in an electrical circuit. By reducing harmonic distortions, electron drift is reduced providing more electrons to the operating appliance that is using the energy thus reducing the amount of electrons sent through the meter.

In essence, the Earthwise Power Saver (EWPS) acts like a power line conditioner that improves the polar alignment of the electrons so that they move more efficiently.
Tests done to date have proven that the Earthwise Power Saver reduces power usage through a watt hour meter as stated and many end users of the product have stated this.

Because the EWPS reduces electron drift, it reduces electricity loss, it also reduces the presence of radiation or so called dirty electricity.

For more information please visit: http://www.earthwisepowersavers.com.au

Read through most of these comments on here and sopunds like most of you are all stupid and have nothing better to do than pull your own shit around in your head.
65 cents 365 times is $237.25 is $270.00 once your add the GST
Anyway dont buy this device and dont buy solar the EMF's that come off the inverters is very toxic.
It is the power companies that are ripping us off by over charging electricity and lifting the price up around 25% per year and rising. The reason for this is that the demand for energy is rising and the infrustructure we currently have will not support the future demands.

I haven't heard from Steve for a while.
I wonder if he is in jail.
He should be.
You know he rang me and started crapping on about how his device is not a scam.
Someone told me that Today Tonight did a job on him the very next night.
Shame I missed it.

Just had this mob call us. Wasted 20 mins of my wife's time on the phone. I then got on the call, looked at the web site and questioned them about it. I was told "don't worry about it - it will work for you".
I know enough about electricity to know it was suspect. Told him I'd look into it further and if I decide it's for us I can simply buy online. He (the "supervisor") wanted to call back in 30 mins to follow up.
2 mins of checking brought me to this page so my thoughts of it being crap are certainly not alone.
Thanks folks.

Here is a new one. Comes in a bigger box called the Earthwise Power Saver. http://earthwisepowersaver.com/
If anything it is probably a box full of capacitors to improve power factor. They show an old pool pump running at no load, claiming it should be drawing 5 plus amps. Reckons it cleans up "dirty electricity" with health benefits etc. Wonder if it is EMC compliant itself?

It seems that this company are doing a good job.
I just got a call tonight. Firstly the sales girl starts the scripted stuff, then she has to get her supervisor when i asked more questions...the manager proceeded to guide me to the website.....whilst I was also searching for the 'legitness' of this article.... I said that I would look into it and thanked him for his offer.
Said that the company worked out of Melbourne and that he was calling from Melbourne, (yeah, right-Indian Call centre I think!), although the address on the website was Sydney.
I still have no real idea if this is a legit thing or not....so at the end of the day, if your are not sure-dont buy! Good luck all! (Ps, this was on the www.1stopmarketing.com site

I was contacted to-day 3-5-11 by an indian from 'Melbourne' (bad line complete with delay) he put me onto his supervisor (another indian) who couldn;t explain HOW it worked but he gave me a web site to look up. I might buy 3 or 4 of them and save 100% or more. Wow, no more power bills, I might eve get a credit.

Got a call from some company called something energy savers. They said they will post me this device and will refund the money after three months. That an agent will visit me after three months to check up and give refund.
Said this is part of an Australian govt initiative.

Interestingly, they don't ask for credit card now. They will send me one in mail and I pay at the post office when I pick it up.

Cate, Fri, 25 Nov 2011 03:23 pm:

Yeah, Elite Energy Savers just called me, apparently from Melbourne, but with bad phone delay and two Indians, one apparently called John Reed. They wanted $210 paid in cash at the post office when I go to pick up the device. They also said it was a government initiative, and that the government had asked them not to ask customers for credit card details. But of course he wanted my address and an alternative contact number. Gave me an address, phone number and website.

just had a company called ericsonic same sort of talk pick up from post office ect.same pictures. could not find web site via sensis found on world google search - http://ericsonic.com/index.aspx -- contact people are steve and wayne ,i wonder if the steve is the same personas the rest of them just different company names

Guys we need to understand that people will try to fool us cuz thats there work but why should we get fooled...
we need to research before buying isn't it...?
you know guys we need to understand no matter its earth wise savers or Aussie power savers or any other thing every1 will provide us with warranties but we need some one in the market to provide us with money back guarantee...
n m trying to search some comp nay like that lets see...
if i can get any ..........

yes rajbeer, just heard abt some new company My Energy Saver.It gives a money back gurantee.
And the most interesting thing is that is not expensive but can be purchased by an ordinary
person also.
Try thi. May be u will get satisfaction by this energy saver.
And its also done without changing your service provider.

Rajveer, Fri, 10 Jun 2011 02:07 pm:

Hey Candice where did u hear abt this company can you provide me with the details of it so that e1 i can reaserch abt it n go for it.........

Rajveer, Sat, 11 Jun 2011 10:25 am:

Hey Candice m waiting for your reply.....
to know about this company

candice, Sat, 11 Jun 2011 10:55 am:

One of ma friend did get a call and he told me about it.
But did not purchase as he was not sure. Dont know whether its the truth or no...

rajveer, Sat, 11 Jun 2011 02:56 pm:

hey candice...
its ok dont worry i will check up on that n get back to u.....

I got a Call today from a company called MES spoke to a indian guy really very good i yelled at him cuz i got cheated by another company named Intelligent Savers but he was really very good and genuene and i miss understood that the company is the sdame
but MES is really a good and diffrent company....
I checked up with my friends in Victoria
its really good....

They just called me (again) and claimed to be authorised by Australian Government and gave me all the energy saving spill.When I have asked where they are calling from they had to stop and think before replying. Its needs to be stopped or prooved...

What a joke, the woman keeps calling and is becoming more frantic with all the benefits I will gain. I have been consistent with my reply of" not interested", but she keeps calling when I least expect.
I am pleased to have the above information as ammunition for the next onslaught.

I bought the unit from Aussie Power Saver and didn't assist me at all in reducing the bill. It is a scam. I have lodged a complaint against them through PayPal and hoping for them to give me the refund.

Steve Johnston, the Managing Director of Aussie Power Savers Pty Ltd need to stop selling these kind of units and try to fool the innocent customers.

I received a call from 1stopmarketingsolution.com trying to sell me a "Power Saving Device". After many questions he finally told me that he was trying to sell me a "device" not a power plan.

After being directed to their website I had a look at it. For a company that is meant to sell these products legitimately around the world, their website is shocking. There are spelling and grammatical errors everywhere which leaded me to think it was a scam in the first place.

He also insisted that he wasn't trying to "market" or "sell" me anything, even though he was trying to get me to buy his product.

Now for the update: After telling the first guy that I'll consider it (in other words just leave it) and get back to him if I want his product, another guy from the same office rings me to try and sell me the same thing. Luckily my girlfriend realised it was the same people and asked me to come back to the phone. After yelling at them for little bit, the guy actually stopped trying to sell me the product and said that he would wait for me to call next time.

I feel sorry for the people that fall for these scams, but this one was just pathetic.

I received a phone call from Hydro power saver today, that is also power saver company I don't know any thing about this product but the device price is $490.00, can any one tell me, about this company and device.

Had a call today - keen to sell the product and getting the Credit Card details. Could not send any information by post. Have reported this to Scam Watch see url below
http://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/693900

I actually got sucked into this! I got an employment number from the guy, an internet address, phone number, checked it all out and thought, yep, let me do my bit for the environment. They withdrew $163.69 out of my account and I didn't even get the product; regardless of whether or not it worked! I've learnt my lesson!

Vijay, Fri, 19 Aug 2011 10:04 am:

If it is from your credit card you can call your credit card company and make a complaint. They may help to reverse the charge.

I am recently getting calls from "http://bestpowersavers.com/" this company is very dodgy. They introduce them self as calling from energy company billing department. They keep on calling your dont care if you are in a meeting or anything. They dont have an ACN or ABN on the website. They say they got an office in Gordon but they phone number they got is in Melbourne. When I called the number you get a funny message and if it is company you will not listern to that type of message :) Not sure how I can make a complaint about this company.

Just had a call today too. Same story. Indian voice, pass me on to manager, clIming they are authorised by aussie gov etc. I asked for their details and when I said I look them up on the net, you guessed it, they were gone. What really pissed me off is.they had all my particulars, name, address, phone number, and all including my Visa!! Funny thing is the address I was given is in NSW but yhe phone no. is in VIC. Qhen I asked how thtat can be, the "manager" became a bjt aggro :-). Details given are:
Roy Matthew
power savers limited
2a level 2a
802 pacific hwy
gordon nsw 2072
03 9008 4256!!!

Anything that claims to save power by being plugged in to a normal socket is complete fiction. You have already paid for the power that reaches that socket, anything the device does cannot change the fact the power has already been paid for BEFORE it reaches the device. So unless the device has time travel capabilities it cannot stop the power charge that has already occurred at the meter...

Also being being plugged into the socket, its in parallel with everything else in the property - so cannot impact the power consumption of the other devices. Well unless it sinks a couple of Amps, and causes a local dip in power availability to the other devices - but then you will pay even more at the meter..

Basically its a scam - physics says it must be.

Report them to the ACCC without exception and report it your MP demanding a change in the law to make it no longer a profitable undertaking in all cases.

I just had the phone call from "Power Saving Ltd", trying to sell me a Power Saving Device for $ 159.00. I told him it sounded too good to be true. He just kept talking trying to convince me. He had no regard for my questions, only concerned with convincing me to buy.
I asked for him to email me information or fax a hard copy, he told me if I was in front of my computer that I could look at their website - www.bestpowersavers.com . I was very suspicious when he told me to type it into the address bar, DON'T GOOGLE IT! Well what would I find if I googled it..... his biggest mistake ever. I'd like to thank everyone for their posts as I certainly won't make a purchase when he calls back again.
I was also suspicious of it being fake when he told me he was calling from Melbourne and their address details on the website are in NSW. it was also mentioned 'Power Savers Ltd' were authorised by Aust. Govt. to call all Australian residents paying for electricity, esp the ones who paid their bills on time (and yes, he had all my details too). The only thing he couldn't tell me was what I paid on my last bill which also rang alarm bells when he claimed to have my bills and spending patterns in front of him. All I can say is, call their bluff, if they speak faster, ignore your questions or get irritable, it's a scam.

Hi I just had a call now from an Alex of Powersavers Melbourne. He carried on like he knew about my electricity account because he had the phone number and address details. He kept calling me by my husband's surname which is not the name that is on our electricity account. He would ask me questions and when I didn't answer or asked him to clarify his response, he would say in his Indian accent, yes?. After not getting any answers from him, I hung up. Less than a minute later he rang back and asked me why I had hung up. when I told him that he didn't know anything about my account (as he maintained) he started swearing at me F##### words so I just hung up again. Charming.

Hi, i got a call from Power savers and they provide me upto 40% reductions with the help of energy saving device and m using this device from last 9 months and i am satisfied with the savings. Even they provided me 6 moths cooling period to get satisfied with money back guaranteed. They show everything on website as well.

I was a approached by a company and got suspicious After giving them my visa card no and expiry date I felt I had to cancel that card and did. I am not sure if they were genuine or ot. Is there a genuine company?

I was a approached by a company and got suspicious After giving them my visa card no and expiry date I felt I had to cancel that card and did. I am not sure if they were genuine or ot. Is there a genuine company?

I had the Indian voice speak to me and when i asked for paperwork to be sent to me was put onto a supervisor. i told that person i wanted to see paperwork because i did not purchase something sight unseen or without being able to research it. Suddenly the first person was back on the phone and had the nerve to tell me that I had insulted his supervisor!!! Supposedly going to ring back tomorrow night after I have looked at the web site www.bestpowersavers.com. i'm sure that the chap told me a different name to what his supervisor said told me was the first ones name, so looks like I saved myself $150. $9.00 cheaper because I'm a senior citizen!

I got a similar call from a different company name yesterday: Elite Energy Saver. They have a shonky website: www.eliteenergysaver.com Appears to be the same plug in product: "SD-001", but for $209. Again they wanted me to pay COD at the post office when I pick it up. I don't understand how these guys are still operating when they have been so discredited already (on TV and ACCC).

In yesterday's news, one of these devices, "Go4Green Energy Smart" won an annual Choice magazine shonky award 2011: http://www.choice.com.au/media-and-news/media-releases/2011%20media%20releases/the-2011-shonky-awards.aspx

By the way I saw the same SD-001 for sale on eBay from China for $29. That is probably closer to the cost of manufacture but I still wouldn't buy one.

Quite a few years ago, this same 'power factor' story was circulating, mainly concerning fluro lights, most of which had power factor correcting capacitors built in. These days, you can get them with, or without. The story was, if you went around to every fluro in your house and disconnected the capacitors, your power bill would drop. Can't remember by how much. So I did a test, almost every light in my (older) house was a fluro, with capacitors, except the toilets, so the difference should have been significant. Tested with the fluros as installed, (with caps.) and then without. Needless to say, there was NO DIFFERENCE whatsoever.

An Indian from Power Savers Ltd just rang and said I paid my electricity bill always on time and the perfect customer. I knew straight away it was a scam, we never pay our bills on time. Let him ramble for about 5min until he wanted to confirm my address. Then I asked him what his co name was and did he know I had been on the "Do Not Call Register" for 2 years. Then he let go with the verbal abuse and called me a bloody idiot bitch, idiot Australian and why don't I just hang up. I said no you hang up and the abuse started again. The guy has a short fuse.

Had a phone call from Bestpowersavers 11.11.11 requesting CONFIRMATION of my visa card details and expiry date of which they alleged they were already in position This was going to be used by them to sell an energy saving device to me. They also alleged they had records of my electricity account. HOW DID THEY GET ACCESS TO MY ELECTRICITY ACCOUNTS WHICH THEY USED TO DESCRIBE MY ENERGY USE???? They were persistent in attempting/interrogate/question me about my credit card details but refused point blank to confirm back to me details of my account they allegedly had at hand.
Thank you for this site so that people can record their comments

Beth, Fri, 30 Dec 2011 03:21 pm:

I have just had a call from Power Saver Ltd and spoke with a Henry Lambert - with a name like that and he sounded Indian!!!! He did all the usual things that I have read on the comments here that there has been a survery in our area and I have been chosen because I am always on time paying my bill. Talked about this device that will save on my power usuage and it will be delivered to me in 10 days time. I can return it if I do not see any change in my power usage etc. Then he wanted to know my credit card details, like when it expires, my name on it etc. He told me the device is a one-off payment of $175 and I said my credit card was full after Christmas. He told me this was a Government approved thing, all above board and legal and that I had nothing to worry about it being a scam. I asked him to send me the details and then he wanted me to turn on my computer and he would direct me through the website. I got his name, phone number, website and the Gordon address. He wanted me to pay $80 today and when I said I want paying anything today, the phone went dead. Funny that. I called my power supplier and they had had never heard of this scam. I gave them details and they said they would check out the website. If your power supplier was going to offer such a device, there would be letters and information from their company. They suggested they would have got my phone number from the phone book as electricity company details are not given out for other people to see or use.
I hope other people read this site before getting caught in a scam.

The only real way to save power is by more intelligent use of tariff 33 which is available in QLD for 18 hours per day - hard wire your air-conditioners for instance. electrical contaractors will willingly do it for you. same applies to pool pumps.
This stupid debate has gone on long enough - there are thousands of scams out ther and millions of idiots

Just had a call from Bestpowersavers 18/11 and while talking to him googled and found this page.
Never had any intention of buying the product. Every time I get a call from a call centre I am always dubious and never give anything out but like Allan above was amazed at how they had access to my electricity usage and payment. He ended up hanging up on me.

08/12/11- same thing happen to me.. was advised that my power company was happy to give me a great product that only applies to people who pay their bills on time.. sus the whole time.... I told him never heard of such a great product.. and if it was a reward i was not going to pay for it.. he then got angry and told me if I wanted to waste my money it was up to me.. what a joke.. poor people who fall for this crap

Talk about nuisance calls! Was called by an Alex Riley _ funny name for someone with an Indian accent - from Power Savers. When it came to giving credit card details, I refused and hung up. Since then he has rung back continuously every minute. Trying to ignore it!

Amy Dal, Wed, 21 Dec 2011 03:35 pm:

UNREAL!! I got that same phone call today - said his name was "Alex T. Riley" from Power Saver Limited. Return phone number of 0390084256. When I questioned him about how he got my phone number, seeing as I am on the "do not call" register, he told me they'd had surveys in the area. I said no, that still doesnt give you permission to call me and sell me things? and he started swearing at me and telling me not to start BS on the phone... so I hung up. Does anyone know how these people (and the fake microsoft ones!!) keep getting our number?

I was phoned on Monday, December 19, 2011. I talked with him for about 20 minutes in an attempt to probe.

1. He told me that he was calling because my account with my provider has been up to date for years.
2. For that reason his company would be giving me a 40% (I think) discount on my bills. I expressed my gratitude.
3. I would also be rewarded with a device that would prevent my appliances from overheating.
4. The device was worth over $1,000 but I would just have to make a one-off payment of $150.
5. I told him that I had never had overheating problems, except for a burnout years ago, and asked why these important devices are not being urged on everyone. When I said that I would have to think about it, he asked me when he could call me back.
6. I suggested that if I had decided against it, I would just ask the courier to return it to the company.
7. "Are you authorizing me to offer it to someone else?"
8. I told him that he did not have my authority to call me in the first place. So, any decision he made, would be his, not mine.
9. Oh. One final thing. During the conversation I told him that my phone number was on the DO NOT CALL LIST. When he told me that it wasn't, I was suspicious that this call was really a promo and was nothing to do with my power provider at all.

Same story. Indian called today (on Public Holiday) with same deal. Think he said he'd send hard copy through the mail but had trouble understanding him (lots of noise in the BG). Only mentioned price at the very last before hanging up. Didn't give my card details and hope he doesn't have them. I'm assuming if any item is delivered I can return it to sender. Same phone number (03) but supposed to be Gordon, NSW.(02).
Rang the number but got a reply that it was not listed.

Kent UK---My elderly mother in law received a call from these nice peolpe on 19th December 2011 and conned her out of £99 they obtained her bank credit card details.
They sent the device turned up today and is the same as above.
They sent invoice with deatils www.bestpowersavers.com and address in US 9 Horton Drive Huntington Station New York 11746 tel.0845875-0000

Just had the same phone call from an indian sounding fella stating that because i pay my bill on time i was eligible for an Australian Federal Gov subsidised power saving devcie which would save me up to 40% in power consumption. Same detais and costings as all the above. He had my details and got a bit pushy when i said i wasn't interested in buying anything. He directed to me to theri webpage where i saw the product was on line for sale at $149 so i told him i wasn't going to buy anything without knowing the product and if i was interested i would buy online. He asked if he could call back and i said no. The call had all the signs of being dodgy "to good to be true, urgency in sale, the fact i had never heard of this device which was supposedly subsidised by the gov". Did a google search and here i am finding the same experiences.

Hello all you wasteful power consumers....
Yesterday I received a call from an Indian gentleman announcing that I have been specially selected for a 40% reduction of my power bill by his company which is THE COMPANY THAT SUPERVISES ALL POWERSUPPLYING COMPANIES IN VICTORIA AND NZDSCHNEEZLEGONGJON-areyouwithme??he asked.
I had great trouble understanding his accent. His sentences always seemed to start off quite clearly but then trail away into what sounded like some hinter-Indian dialect.He patiently repeated the same half-understandable sentences to all my many questions,but www.bestpowersavers.com I did manage to jot down. He wasn't happy that I didn't want to turn on my computer and reluctantly almost gave away the cost of the secret to getting my well-deserved 40% powerbill-reduction: only $150 with 6 months cooling off period, and after I asked him to repeat more sentences than he had actually spoken because I really COULD NOT UNDERSTAND HIM, he seemed to need cooling off himself because suddenly the call was interrupted. The phone rang again a minute later, but by then I was already too busy working out all the savings I would have and what I could DOOO with all that extra cash.....I could start my own little company selling people something they would LIKE to BELIEVE.....I just don't know how to work around the "Do Not Call List" which I have been on for quite some time, but said caller had no trouble to ignore, so I'm going to look up the ACCC now.
After I read all the above comments, I kind of look forward to have another call by this man who didn't get to ask for my creditcard. Since my eyesight is as bad as my hearing AT TIMES, it promises to be a very amusing question-and kind request to repeat the question- game! Wicked!!!
It's all about POWER of course!
I knew this guy is a fake from the moment I understood that I could not understand him. What company (aside from a well-known telephone company)would put employees on the phone that make a joke out of communication?
Still. I like the idea of electrons getting netted and swirled around and around, and then all mushed up and squeezed into our cables, and this denser mass then means we don't have so much loose and scattered charge come into our houses....aaaah, I could go on and on about this physical phenomenon. And lets not forget the ions....Hey, I reckon I could enjoy working for this company! Supervising Aurora...sacking the meter reader if he ever growls at my dog again!!!
Don't buy the device yet, wait till I call you. I have a shtrong Sherman Accident but I shall explain the technical side of things many much more better, I promise!!!

Just got a call from Best Power Savers, the dude seemed really happy to answer all my questions, but since I know nothing of physics I said I would check with my good man who was still working before surrendering my credit card number at all. He checked it out for about 20 seconds and can't wait for the call back tomorrow evening! The web site provided was www.bestpowersavers.com.au with australian phone numbers (VOIP) and other info and pictures the same as those above.
Watch Out!!!

i am the sales manager of this product and i am selling 100 devices in a day and all of my customer are well satisfied with the working of this product...............For those who says that they are electrical engineers and no such device can save the electricity i prefer them to tear their degrees into 100 pieces and through it in trash

This sounds similar to the 2 jokers that just visited my house and I have just reported them to the police. It seems like this scam is morphing into something sinister.
They were very dodgy as they claim to be sent by the government to install up to 4 so called devices absolutely free. They attach to your TVs and reduce your standby power dramatically. This is despite me advising them that all bar one TV are turned off entirely when not in used (power point off) and the only other set that occasionally goes on standby only uses 1 watt on standby (any decent LED TV). They still insisted that the TVs were using up to 10% of energy on standby. Perhaps they had curry in their ears.
I am an instrument technician so I asked them if it was simple enough to instal myself. They claim it was but insisted that they were under strict instruction to supervise any installation i.e. they insisted they needed to enter the house. This is despite my 2 dogs barking the house down when they first knocked on the door. Hopefully the police will pick them up and deal with them appropriately.
For anyone concerned, no I did not let them in and neither did anyone else in our small court.

I had the same call today claiming that I could save 40% elect, the lady on the phone made it hard for me to say a word, talk loudly and very fast, but I just spoke over her and said are you aware that I am on the "DO NOT CALL LIST" she yelled then why did I call I asked can I please speak to your manager, then she hung up...

Just got a call, typical of the descriptions here. Have to admit I was a little abrupt saying that I am on a contract and I get too many calls so please take me off the list. The indian (no offence to Indians, just couldn't understand this guy) got abrupt with me and insisted they won't be changing my provider etc.

I finally got it out of him that the product was called "Power Savers Ltd" to which I found this website: http://bestpowersavers.com/index.html

When I insisted that I was busy and can I read up on how it works later, he hung up on me! So rude even if legitimate product!

Yep, they're still going... Just got a call from some guy (Indian accent) in a noisy location claiming he could save me 40% for the rest of my life if I just purchased his device for $159 and plugged it into the wall. He knew my last name (phone records) but then asked for my first name, which I said he must have it if he has my last name and phone number. Before I could get anymore info from him he shouted "Bugger off you f#$%&n a%$#&%$e and stop wasting my time!" and then hung up. They need to be stopped.

Just got a call today from an Indian guy saying he's from a company called power saver ltd. first thing I told him was I'm on the DNC register, but he kept saying he's selling anything. He tried to keep talking, but I kept interrupting him with questions and he got a bit frustrated. I finally asked for his name and he said Charles brown. I just laughed and said 'that's really your name?'. He then just lost it and started f'ing and blinding. I just kept laughing and he then finally hung up! ;)

Just got a call from overseas (caller display) from an indian man claiming that since I am a good customer that pays my power bills on time, I am entitled to recieve a device that will reduce my power by 40%, then proceded to ask for my credit card!! he wanted $149, I told them I dont give out my card details, he then told me to go to a web site called www.itscorps.com I just hung up... he tried to call me back 3 times... I did suspect it was a scam and I also am on the 'Do not call' register!!!

Like Linda, I received a call from a person who proceeded to say I was such a good customer who payed power bills always on time. Therefore the power company was going to give me a device to plug into a wall socket that would reduce my power bills by 40%. He said it would be free but he wanted me to confirm my given name, my address, then he wanted the expiry date on my credit card. Then he asked for the middle numbers of my credit card. When he asked for the remaining numbers I told him I don't give these out and humg up.

Tuesday.13th March 2012
Just had a call today from a foreign sounding man from ITS Corp Ltd who told me that because I have always paid my electricity acccount on time I could now buy a plug in device that would save me 40% on our power bill I have an address of head office off of him and his phone number, he got me to go on line and type in itscorp.com and my computer is set up to google which bought up that it was a scam and a bogus Company I read that out to him and he said there must be some mistake. I then told him I was on the "do not call register "and could report him for phoning me, he became irate and told me to do what I like, so I hung up hope it's the last I hear from him.

Jon, Mon, 09 Apr 2012 06:04 pm:

Also had a call from ITSCORPS. First Indian woman, then supervisor, with non stop rubbish about a device saving 40% off electricity bills. They would not tell me how it worked. Directed me to the ITSCORPS website. Supervisor started to pressure me to buy the device for $159 now. I refused, saying i wanted to ensure device worked BEFORE I paid for it. He became abusive, claiming that I could return it after 60 days for refund if it did not work. I told him I did not believe him. More vicious abuse - I returned the compliments, then rang off. Their modus operandi seems to be to apply heavy pressure until you either succcumb or go away These people are criminal idiots!!
Interestingly, the same device that they mentioned is on sale on their website for only $109.99, so who pockets the difference? Another scam!

Oh Boy Have I enjoyed the last few minutes
What a fraternity we are all in.
Indian Knows I pay on time. Plenty of OK's, Surprised I had not heard of the device
Got his Phone No and like one comment above Google did not like his website.
I dont expect to hear from them, All the best to you all. Why are they so dumb to continue to use half illiterate people to try and sell their product

Thanks for the website!
I've just had a similar call to those described above. My very heavily accented man said his name was Robbie Matthews (no, it wasn't a Scottish accent). He also gave me his phone number 0399997487. He knew my name, address and Electricity Supply Company - that's a bit scarry. I am also on do not call list. How can these guys get away with it? The device has to be a scam.

I too just received a phone call from a lovely gentleman at ITSCorp who proceeded to tell me how I was such a loyal customer and always paid my bills on time (which is a lie because only yesterday I received a reminder notice for my bill - oopse!) and because of all this, he would like to offer me 40% off! I said I'm not interested thank you to which he yelled WHAT ARE YOU NOT INTERESTED IN? I said I'm very happy with my current provider and I'm not interested in whatever you are selling to which he responded "Then f*$* off b*#$@ and stop wasting my time!". He then informed me that he was prepared to call me every hour on the hour until I would listen to what he had to say. At this point I thought I'd have a bit of fun and string him along after a couple of minutes of me asking him to tell me where he's calling from, what company, how he got my details, when he was going to sleep if he planned to call me every hour, when would he eat, would it be precisely on the hour? Because I don't like tardiness etc he then asked me if i'd have sex with him to which I politely declined. He then proceeded to ask me how old I was, which I let him guess for a while then he told me to f off and hang up which I wouldn't. I told him that I had a sneaking suspicion that he may in fact not be able to hang up on me so then he asked me if I was stupid told me to fing hang up I said no then eventually he hung up... Oh well... Was fun while it lasted...
My concern is how did this company get my details? I have a private number and he addressed me by my maiden name - the only company that has my maiden name is my electricity company who have assured me that they do not share my information with any third parties - very strange indeed.
I kind of hope he calls again - annoying scam telemarketers is so much fun!

Craig, Sat, 21 Apr 2012 03:16 pm:

I got similar call from PowerSavers claiming i'd been such agood customer for paying my bills on time!! He! He! He! Little did he know! I happened to be online while talking (actually - just listening - he did all the talking) so i googled power Saver limited and the ACCC report was the first i looked up. I finsihed by saying i just read the ACC report & thnaked him, & hung up! I should have stayed on the call - might have been interesting to hear what he had to say - given all the other reports here. {;-D)
It is a tad unfortunate in this great country of ours with so much freedom, that there are those who take advantage and abuse the privilege/responsibility.

I also had a call last night, this time from a heavily accented "John Williams" flogging the Spike Buster Device from ITSCorps. I left him to ramble for a few minutes while I continued preparing dinner. He eventually provided the same return phone number as above (03 9999 7487) but I'll give the scam a miss this time - I'd rather keep my $159. I've also renewed my Do Not Call registration for another 5 years, in case it had recently lapsed.

Phoned today by 'Robert' from ITSCorps telling me how I was such a loyal customer who always paid my power bills on time (which of cause is far from true)offering the government approved Spike Buster power saving Device for $159. He new my name, and address (scarry). He provided the same return phone number as above (03 9999 7487) and website www.itscorps.com. He said if I pay for the device, they post it, I try it out and if I'm not happy I get a refund. Believing this to be a scam, I told him I'm happy for him to send me the device to try, and if I'm satisfied with the results, then I will pay for it. He told me nothing in this world is free. I told him If the power saver works, I will pay for it. He did not like this idea, so I asked him politely not to call again. So I'll probably hear back from him soon. How do these people sleep at night?

I've also had a couple of calls from Charles Brown from ITS Corporation (www.itscorps.com). He was rude but I didn't get the swearing. I'm hoping that he calls back so that I can try harder! The phone number given was the same as the ones above.

Thanks everyone for this post. Please keep it clean and reasonable.
First thing I found after getting the same call and being very polite while this man of many alias names waffled on, very nicely but very very insistant. I said it sounded good and he was very pushy with my address details being correct and getting my credit card details.
Have not purchased of course but interested in what the scam was. We have an electrician friend who has said these things do nothing but give you a warm fuzzy feeling.
I would also like to know how he got hold of our address. As it was the farm address I gather it could be through a solar company(they need your location), not really sure as you cannot post to a farm of course.
I would like to know what Rick was talking about with the EMF's coming off of solar inverters! And he is correct about the fact it all comes down to the electricity companies monopoly over us all. This is also made worse to come now we have the carbon tax about to cripple the nation. All companies have no choice but to pass that extra cost on to the consumer, which adds up as it goes down the line.
We installed solar panels and are now wondering why as they still work out how to get the dollars out of you.
It all comes back to the Government and useing logic. The only people gaining out of all of this are the big mining companies. They are sucking this country dry in every way with the lure of big $$$ which the profits go overseas. Short term gain for long term loss to us. Our cost of living rises and the precious water dissapears.
Tax the big mine companies not the little people. They are sucking our resourses dry and we are paying for it.

I just had a call from a man saying he was from ITS corporation limited calling from Melbourne asking about my power bill and how I can save. He knew my last name but not the first. I told him that I was not interested and that I was on the do not call register and that they were not allowed to call my number. I also asked him if his company had a do not call register and could they put my number on it. I tendency got abused and told that I as an australian woman thought I was above men and was rude and I should treat my husband as a god. I asked for his manager and he would not put them on and tried to back pedal on his rant. He also said he was from india and that we (australians) should he nicer to the guests in our country and we should all go ti india to see what the real workd is like. I talked to him for about 20 mins I gave him no details whatsoever and turned off my computer just incase I also told him I had looked up his company on the Internet and that there was no record of it he then said that he could direct me to his website if I followed his direction. I told him I had to go and I wished him a happy Easter. He said I was a lovely lady happy Easter and he hung up

OH MY GOD, I am an idiot, just had a call from (www.itscorps.com.) All I know is there needs to be away of seeing or knowing about these blogs before they catch you in a weak moment. I have just lost my mother inlaw,and would be ready for this kind of thing however tired and weerie I gave in to this asshole, after getting off the phone from him I did a search, just in case it was a scam knowing deep down it really was, after reading everything I rang him back, and he answered the phone as ROY MATHEWS however when he called me he was SAM MATHEWS, I did ask him if he had a brother and of course he said YES he put me on hold and came back to the phone with the same voice except it was louder I nearly broke up with laughter as you see and hear about this sought of stuff all the time and I always think (idiot!) that would never happen to me, so for all those people that I have thought that the jokes on me. I have requested a refund, I don't know if it will ever happen but I would like to think so!Buy the way he was abusive and racist toward Australians I don't get it I know not every Indian is like this but they give the others a bad name !!!!!!

my dad got suck in 2weeks ago but didnt have a credit card.i lent him my debt card had less in there.they tryd three times in a hr to take money so BOQ closed my ac.. they rang bak today I told them what happen week ago.he went from nice to RUDE saying his guna fuk my wife rape my kids n kill all my family u stupid white aussie so I hung up he kept ring bak every min sayn same shit.so I recorded it.at the start they rattle off your adress I dont feel very comfortable now.if some one comes to my front door from power savers ltd n their indian look out

I also had a call from these people, Roy Matthew and ALEX Riley, and of course both Indians. They said that their Company was ITS Corp. and was situated in Alexandria Vic. Ph. 03 99997487. I told
them that I didn' have a credit credit card and they told me to use one from a family member or a friends one. THEY knew all my details and that I was paying my bills on time or well before they were due therefore I was picked for a saving of 40% off my electricity bill for the rest of my life. How do these people get all our details? He is going to call me back on Monday. Thank you for this website and for feedback from other people that were all in the same situation of being scammed. I'm sure that MR.Alex Riley wont be very happy with what I will have to tell him.